Advises citizens to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink water and take precautionary measures
Men ride a motorbike covering their heads with a damp cloth to cool down and avoid sunlight, during a hot summer day as the heat wave continues in Jacobabad, Pakistan, May 26. Photo: REUTERS
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued a national alert announcing an intense heatwave in several areas until May 5.
According to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) advisory, Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan are expected to face severe heatwaves. Major cities, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat, would likely continue to face extreme heat.
Along with this, central Punjab and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) may also witness a sharp rise in temperatures.
The NDMA warned that the heatwave could increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration and other health problems. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and take precautionary measures.
The authority ordered relevant departments to activate heatwave response plans, set up cooling centers and keep hospitals on alert. Provincial and district administrations have also been directed to remain vigilant to deal with any emergency.
Learn more: Karachi to reach 38°C in next 3 days: Met Office
Meanwhile, the NDMA said a weather system is expected to bring dust storms, gusty winds and rain to upper and central districts of Punjab on April 24, 25 and 29. Areas including Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan. were likely to receive rain.
In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar are expected to receive rains accompanied by strong winds between April 24-25 and April 27-29. Coastal areas, including Gwadar, are expected to remain hot and dry with a gradual increase in temperatures.
According to authorities, Sindh is expected to remain generally hot and dry, with temperatures continuing to rise. However, Hyderabad, Badin and Mithi may experience light rain and gusty winds on April 24.
KP is also expected to witness intermittent rains and strong winds in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat and Kurram districts from April 24 to 25 and April 27 to 29.
Read also: Mercury set to hit 41°C as Karachi braces for heatwave
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are likely to experience intermittent rains accompanied by thunderstorms from April 24 to 29.
The NDMA said current weather conditions were consistent with its seasonal forecast issued three to four months earlier, and noted that a detailed assessment for the April to June period had already been shared.
He further urged the public to stay informed through its official mobile application, ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’, for timely information and advice.
